The Scarlet Cord film creative collaborators: Producer Rochelle Raimão, Director Simon Scionka, and Artist Pamela Alderman

The Scarlet Cord Film

To raise awareness of human trafficking in America, artist Pamela Alderman displayed her installation, The Scarlet Cord, through a partnership with Women At Risk, International, at ArtPrize 2014. Thirty thousand visitors interacted with the work and received scarlet cords as a reminder to build circles of protection around children in need.

The following year, StreetLightUSA hosted The Scarlet Cord in Phoenix, where the corresponding film was shot (see trailer above). This short film features the reactions of those who walked through Alderman's art installation during the 2015 Super Bowl. Through this piece, trafficking and sexual abuse survivors shared their stories and reactions with Alderman as they experienced her art. For your next event, book the full 11-minute film, which features statistics and information on human trafficking and the horrors many children in America face.

Selected Film Screenings

Judge Patricia Gardner utilizes The Scarlet Cord Film as an educational tool for juveniles in the court system to learn about sex trafficking and its personal impact. Kent County Courthouse; Grand Rapids, Michigan

Schedule a Film Screening

Start the deeper conversation about the commercial sex industry in your community. Contact Pamela to request/schedule a film screening, and rally people in your community to come.

Viewers Respond

Powerful! My 15-year-old son walked through The Scarlet Cord at ArtPrize last fall; this was the piece that impacted him the most. He came home talking about it. – Mother
Very compelling and an excellent way to show the severity of human trafficking, It would be great to see this made into a film for the masses to see at the theaters. – Tammy
The film really brought out the idea of how these bonds hold tight, even if they are not physical bonds, but emotional ones. Beautifully done! – Aaron

Endorsements

Pamela put together a powerful program at GVSU. Her exhibit was evocative and emotional, and the event she coordinated brought home the reality of sex trafficking with people who have experienced first-hand the terrible frequency of it in West Michigan. Overall, though, the message was one of hope—the hope that those trafficked can heal, the hope that our actions can mitigate this scourge, and the hope that humanity can triumph over evil.

Dr. Jeff Chamberlain
Director, Frederik Meijer Honors College
Grand Valley State University

The Scarlet Cord is an important film that gives voice and compassion to human trafficking and sexual exploitation. These issues become more complex and more prevalent in our communities with each passing generation as new waves of technology increase access to pornography. This should be mandatory viewing for all citizens concerned about the welfare of children.

Judge Patricia Gardner
Kent County Circuit Court, Family Division

Thank you so much for serving on our panel and sharing your Scarlet Cord film! The film was truly inspiring and, in itself, a work of art. I am sure you have heard this repeatedly, but you have a very unique gift for connecting deeply with people through your artwork. There is something in your work that is deeply magnetic and brings out the vulnerability in all of us. It has been our privilege to partner with you in your efforts to help women find healing and companionship. Thanks again.

Randall L Zylstra, LMSW
CEO/President, Wedgewood Christian Services

It is rare that one comes across artistic talent that addresses difficult social realities in such a powerful and engaging manner, but this is what Pamela was able to do when she presented her interactive healing art at this Miss Michigan Pageant. She touched the hearts and minds of the audience, as evidence by their engagement and emotional reactions to her pieces. Her message is strong, hopeful, and empowering for everyone. It was a pleasure to work with Pamela and we look forward to doing so in the future!

Lakeshore Human Trafficking Task Force

Pamela Alderman's installation, The Scarlet Cord, helped thousands of visitors to ArtPrize 2014 in Grand Rapids, Michigan experience the anguish of the human trafficking of children. But like all good art, it also did more. Experiencing The Scarlet Cord was not just about the communication of horrific facts; it also was the invitation of communion between co-sufferers. People were invited into a space where they could feel not only the pain of others, but their own hurts and trauma. Now a short documentary about that experience has been made. Combining music, dance, fine art, and interviews with those experiencing the installation, this documentary is a moving testimony to the power of art to touch lives—even to heal. Highly recommended.

Robert K. Johnston
Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary
Author of Reel Spirituality and God's Wider Presence

Healing in Arts

Many of you want to help continue The Scarlet Cord screenings. Funds can be donated through the New Horizons Foundation on the Healing in Arts web site.